Drawing: Head Structure

As human beings we are naturally drawn to the depiction of our fellow humans in artwork. We are also naturally finely attuned to specificity and accuracy in figurative art, and especially portraiture. This need for accuracy can make portraiture challenging, but the rewards, both personal and professional, of achieving success in this field can be significant.

To build a strong basis for portraiture this 7-week class will explore head structure, using graphite pencils to study the forms and proportions of the human skull. Referring to a few helpful anatomical concepts and landmarks, we will work from direct observation of model skulls and a 3D portrait bust sculpture. We will also work from reproductions of paintings from art history that effectively portray a living person and that emphasize the structural concepts we will be working with. As we draw we will become more familiar with accurate relationships of the features of the face to the head, and touch on the relationship of the head to the neck and shoulders.

Throughout the class a few basic mark making exercises introduced in the Center for Lifelong Learning’s Beginning Drawing class will help with “warming up” and connecting eye to hand and mind to body. In order to build this fundamental understanding of head structure patience and a willingness to revise a work in progress will be important.

This class may be useful for students who are exploring making art for fun or recreation, or for those with potential professional aspirations.

PREREQUISITE: In order to get the most out of the class students should have experience taking a beginning drawing class and some familiarity with the practices of proportional measuring and construction line drawing.

SUPPLIES: The following supplies or their equivalent are recommended for this class. If you have questions or concerns about purchasing supplies, please let us know prior to the class start.

NOTE: Bloomington Fine Art Supply, a local, independent art store located at 207 S. Rogers Street near the corner of 4^th and Rogers Streets, has a copy of this list and will put together a kit of all the class supplies for you to pick up in their store. They are offering a 15% discount on your purchase of supplies on this list. Bloomington Fine Art Supply’s website is bfasupply.com, their phone number is 812-369-4013, and their email is bfa.supply@gmail.com.

Required:
- Graphite Art Pencils 6B, 4B, 2B, HB 
- 14”x17” or 18”x24” Strathmore 400 Series Drawing Pad
- Kneaded eraser 
- Pink eraser 
- Snap blade cutter (a sharp box cutter or utility knife will work)

Optional:
- Drawing board with clips and large rubber band approx. 20”x26” (This is useful for drawing at home. Drawing boards and clips will be available for use in class.)
- Sketchbook - 9”x12” suggested
- Mechanical pencil style eraser – Tombow Mono round or rectangular (This is an optional fine line erasing tool)
- Vinyl Eraser
- Workable fixative